Ramadan’s Here?

For me, it sure doesn’t feel like Ramadan. It’s life as usual on this side of the world. I wonder how long until Dubai will feel just like here during this holy month. Last year, there was no noted law about non-Mulsim’s eating or smoking in public (in Dubai). People were getting off pretty easy compared to the past where there were publicized laws, punishments inclusive of hefty fines for people disrespecting those fasting by eating, drinking or smoking in public. For my western readers, it’s not about forcing the international public to fast, but about forcing them to respect people who are fasting and not entice them to eat or drink or fall prey to greater addictions (like smoking, which is a tough one).

I wonder how many half-naked women were prancing through Dubai supermarkets unintentionally disturbing fasting men today?

For health reasons, I’m not able to fast just yet. Hopefully, by the time I return these problems will be fully sorted and I can at least attempt to give it a go. It’s always harder to start fasting in the middle of Ramadan, and even more difficult to make up days lost after. In fact, most years I’ve failed to do this all together. I can cross my fingers and hope this year is better.

In the meantime, I should probably tone down a lot of what I say here, out of respect for this month and those who are fasting and possibly reading. I can’t make any promises, but I’ll sure try.

For all of you fasting this year, may you be blessed through the many virtues of Ramadan. And all of you who should be fasting but aren’t, may you find the strength to do so.

Happy Ramadan Everyone!